MVRS reduces response time dramatically

The Mathews County Board of Supervisors heard reports from the following departments, offices, and organizations during its meeting on July 27.

Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad

Ron Lambert, president of the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad board of directors, reported to the board that the squad had been responding to an average of three calls per day in 2010, putting it on track to have handled a total of over 1,100 calls by year’s end.

With the new building completed and crew members spending their on-duty time there, response time has dropped to an average of 4.2 minutes, with arrival at the scene down to an average of 10.6 minutes, said Lambert. In addition, in 38 percent of calls, the crew is arriving at the scene in less than five minutes.

"In years past, it took almost 19 minutes," Lambert said. "We thank the volunteers for responding so quickly."

For more information, visit the squad’s website at www.mathewsvrs.org.

School superintendent

Schools superintendent Dr. David Holleran reported that schools were being cleaned in preparation for the arrival of teachers for the new term. He said he was waiting for finalization of the Annual Yearly Progress, but that he was sure the schools would be accredited.

As reported previously, Holleran asked permission to return $11,282.70 in unspent revenue to the county and requested that $12,051.50 in Medicaid reimbursement be remanded to the schools for help in offsetting the cost of health insurance. Both requests were granted.

Supervisor Edwina Casey questioned Holleran about the decision to charge students $35 to play sports in the upcoming school year. She wanted to know why all activities weren’t assessed a similar charge. Holleran explained that the money would primarily be used to pay officials who oversee competition.